PRESS RELEASE

Bideford Town Council are very pleased to announce that, after a virtual Extraordinary General Meeting via Zoom, Councillors awarded monies from the Covid 19 Community Fund to those who are working in the wider Bideford Community.

Torridge District Council apportioned the funding to Towns and Parishes throughout the area for it to be used specifically for those organisations who have pulled out all the stops to support and assist the vulnerable and in need within their own communities.

Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Peter Christie, said “it was a lengthy meeting – and a first for us – but we are pleased we have made the right decisions and will keep reviewing the situation, going forward” he added “the groups and organisations chosen for funding have been outstanding in their support for the Bideford community, we are pleased to have been able to help”.

As the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will go on for some time to come, Bideford Town Council has also re-apportioned money ring-fenced for civic events that were due to take place in the coming weeks, to add to this fund. The Town Council will continue to support community organisations and volunteer responses, both financially and with Council staff assistance.

CORONAVIRUS 2020

How it has affected this Town Council.

Currently, in light of Government and Health Executive guidelines, Bideford Town Council has cancelled all forthcoming meetings until further notice.

The Annual Parish Meeting, scheduled for 21st April, has been cancelled. As this is the meeting where we give out our Grants, this obviously will not go ahead either. We will be writing to all Grant Applicants over the next few weeks to inform them of their Application status.

It is with great regret that we have to cancel the VE Day 75th Anniversary Parade and Party, on the instruction from the Queen’s Pageant Master. A simpler form of commemoration will take place on 8th May, which is being reviewed as the time approaches.

We also sadly have to cancel the Cream Tea Festival scheduled for 17th May. This would have been the first of its kind – but we will look at launching it again next year and making it a great and exciting event, as we had planned.

In line with Government guidelines we have closed our outside gym in Victoria Park and would ask you please, in the interests of health and safety, do not use it until further notice.

The officers of this Council are working from home, where they can, and the preferred method of contact is email, although there will be someone to answer telephone calls at most times during the day on 01237 428817. Just click on the Contact link to email us or get in contact with your Ward Councillor.

During this terrible time, the Maintenance Team have elected to carry on working, where possible and will be on standby to work with local voluntary organisations should they be required. In the meantime they will observe the 2m rule and work on projects around Bideford that keep them outside and away from the public.

ALLOTMENTS:

Our Allotment sites are open to plot holders and according to Government advice, gardeners are encouraged to tend their plots BUT must adhere to the 2 metre rule and ensure that they sanitise their hands and the gate locks when entering the sites.

Remember that the virus is spread easily so try not to use other gardener’s tools... The weather is great for gardening at the moment and you will reap your rewards later on.

At this time it can be confusing and worrying for us all - for information on what the Council is doing click on the Coronavirustab in the top main menu.

For more comprehensive and specific information on COVID 19, Coronavirus, or need to know what local services are available from our District Authority please click on the Torridge District Council link.

Devon County Council also provide information on their Community Support Page.

Please note that at this current time, we have delayed the process, and position, until the Pannier Marketre-opens. If you have applied for this position, we will keep your application for shortlisting once we are in a position to recruit. – Thank you.

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Bideford Town Council is seeking applicants for a Development Officer – Fixed 2 year contract

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and committed individuals for the post of Development Officer to develop and promote the Bideford Pannier Market Complex (2 days per week) and to project manage and deliver a diverse range of Town Council projects (1 day per week).

Two days a week will be spent strengthening and advocating Bideford Pannier Market, Butchers Row and Market Place as a viable, lively and sustainable centre for enterprise, creativity and community involvement. You will need to increase footfall and build the Pannier Market’s reputation as an attractive place to shop, visit, and trade.

The remaining day will be spent working with the Council to deliver their priority projects and to provide a small amount of web site and social media support.

Candidates will need to have the relevant qualifications and experience and be confident to liaise with key stakeholders to bring projects to fruition in a timely manner and to budget.

Initially this will be a two-year contract with the potential of renewal.

Further information: 01237 428818

The closing date for receipt of applications has now passed.

CORONAVIRUS 2020 - CANCELLATIONS

It is with careful consideration and deep regret that we announce that we have had to cancel the VE 75th Anniversary Celebrations - Friday 8th May, on recommendation from the Queen’s Pageant Master. This is indeed sad news that we cannot celebrate what was a milestone in British history – even more reason to get shot of this dreadful Coronavirus! A very small commemoration will take place on 8th May which will be reviewed as time goes on.

And another of our events the Cream Tea Festival scheduled for 17th May has now been cancelled. As a Council we felt that this is not the right time and indeed with May being the possible peak month for Coronavirus, to hold what we consider to be the first event of its kind in this area. We have spoken with our main sponsor, Brewer, Harding and Rowe who agree that it would be great to come back next year with this unique Festival. And, we are feeling confident enough to tell you that it will be on the third Sunday in May 2021.

Put it in your diary!

Thank you.

THE BIDEFORD BOWL GETS A NEW HOME

The Bideford Bowl trophy is one of the most prestigious trophies in local rowing circles and was presented for competition at the formation of the South Coast Championships in 1957.

This beautiful trophy was made in 1872 by Robert Hennell, a well known London silversmith. It is understood that the original owner, Miss Holsworth, presented it to the Bideford Regatta Committee in the early 1950s after it being previously used at the Bideford Horse Show.

Originally used for the Mens Senior A Fours at the Bideford Regatta, when the National Rowing Association and the Amateur Rowing Association amalgamated it gave the trophy a new lease of life and has been loaned to them since.

Due to the increasing insurance costs to the Bideford Rowing Clubs, Bideford Town Council have agreed to give this fabulous piece of silverware a new and safe home. The trophy will get an airing each year when the South Coast Championships will present the cup. The Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Peter Christie pointed out “this magnificent trophy will be at home in the Mayor’s Parlour – we shall look forward to cleaning it!”

Introducing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor

On Thursday, 16 May, the full Town Council elected the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor for 2019-2020. Councillor Peter Christie was elected Mayor for the year and Councillor Ruth Craigie was elected Deputy Mayor for the same period of time.

Councillor Peter Christie, representing Bideford North Ward on the Town Council, is a semi-retired teacher, well-known local historian and author of historical books. He is the longest serving councillor on Bideford Town Council, and has previously served as Mayor of Bideford in 1985-1986 and 2004-2005.

Councillor Ruth Craigie was elected as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Craigie, representing Bideford East Ward, has been a serving councillor on Bideford Town Council since 2015.

Latest Council News

Current Agendas

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Bideford - A Fairtrade Town

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